The State Government is collaborating with local not-for-profit Dress for Success to support South Australian women on their journey to employment.
The collaboration will see donations of clothing and accessories to help remove barriers to employment for women experiencing difficult circumstances, promote economic participation and empower local women to reach their career goals with confidence and dignity.
Women often experience a range of barriers to work including financial stress, domestic, family or sexual violence, housing insecurity, caring responsibilities, limited access to transport or gaps in work experience.
Dress for Success offers confidential, practical support to help women that need an extra helping hand, including:
- interview and new job outfits
- career advice including interview coaching
- access to an online career hub with workshops and practical tools
- mentoring.
Department of Human Services staff have generously donated items that will help women walk into interviews and new jobs feeling confident and ready.
This initiative helps deliver more than clothing – it provides hope and a fresh start for women to step into their future with pride.
Every donated item of clothing or shoes helps write a story of dignity and possibility. Every item tells a woman that your next chapter is worth investing in and for many women, it's the beginning of financial independence.
To donate clothing and accessories or find support for your career journey, please visit the Dress for Success website.
As put by the Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard
Women's participation in the workforce is vital to a fair and prosperous South Australia.
By 'styling it forward', we're opening doors to opportunity, boosting confidence, economic security and inclusion for South Australian women, particularly those who most need us, and supporting their participation in our growing South Australian economy.
I encourage businesses, schools and community groups to host their own clothing drives in support of Dress for Success.
Your contributions help provide the clothing and confidence that can shape those crucial first moments in a job interview, empower a woman to build a future of economic independence and success and help women who have experienced some pretty hard times to know that they are supported, that they matter.
Together, we can help more South Australian women walk into employment ready to thrive.
As put by Business Manager, Dress for Success, Kate Hall
When a woman walks through our doors, she often carries far more than uncertainty about what to wear — she carries doubt, exhaustion and the weight of trying to start again. A donation like this tells her, without words, that she matters and that someone believes in her future.
Through deeply personal, one-on-one styling in a safe and welcoming space, we don't just provide clothing — we restore dignity, confidence and hope.
Watching a woman stand taller, meet her own reflection with pride, and walk out believing she is worthy of opportunity is one of the most powerful transformations you can witness, and it is only possible because of generosity like this.
As put by Dress for Success client, Kellie
Dress for Success has helped me feel stronger and more powerful, ready to take on the world and conquer my dreams when it comes to looking for work. Thank you for the amazing session!
As put by Dress for Success client, Isabella
Dress for Success not only instilled confidence in me through fashion styling but provides a comfortable, judgement free zone to make you feel excited about your interview outfits. I feel more mature and excited for the future! Thank you Dress for Success!
